Trees are an incredible addition to any landscape, providing shade, beauty, and a habitat for wildlife. But before you start digging up your yard for a new tree, explore four key points to consider before you plant a tree in your yard.
1. Tree Size
Be sure that the tree can thrive in your available space and that it will not get in the way of buildings, streets, or utility cables. Also, think about the tree's normal height and spread or canopy when it fully develops so you can figure out how much room it will take up.
Also, consider the tree's shape and appearance as well. For example, a smaller tree that branches out would be better in a spot with wires overhead, while a larger, vase-shaped tree might be ideal for an arbor over a driveway or street.
You can choose the correct tree for the right spot and ensure it fits and works well in your environment if you consider its size and growth parameters. This consideration will help you avoid overpopulation and help your tree live longer with less care.
2. Classification
Most trees fall under two major categories: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen trees are an excellent choice if you want a tree that will stay green all year and provide a natural background for attractive grass. On the other hand, plant deciduous trees if you want to add color to your yard in the fall. These trees will lose their leaves in the fall and be bare until winter.
After you decide what kind of tree you want, also consider when to plant it. You can plant deciduous trees in the spring, as soon as the ground is no longer frozen, or in the fall, from when the leaves fall until the ground freezes again. However, you can plant evergreen trees early in the spring or fall, between the first week of August and the end of October, around four weeks after the leaves of deciduous trees open.
3. Survivability
Consider trees that are strong and resistant to pests and diseases since they are more likely to live and require less care. When you choose your tree, read up on the species to find out how hardy they are and how resistant they are to pests and diseases.
Choose cold-resistant trees if you live in areas with frigid winters. Consider trees that can handle heat and drought in places with blistering summers and many dry spells.
4. Soil Conditions
The soil pH, fertility, and depth are all important factors that determine what types of trees and shrubs you can successfully grow in your yard.
Ask a professional to test a soil sample to determine the pH level and the soil's fertility. Trees grow best on soil with a pH between
6.0 and 7.5, but there are some exceptions to this rule, depending on the type of tree.
Trees also need a particular amount of nutrients in the soil to grow well. If the soil is excessively acidic or alkaline, you may need to amend it to make it better for growing trees.
Also, consider the amount and quality of soil in your yard before you plant a tree. If the topsoil is shallow, hard, or dry, it may be hard for a tree to live and grow.
Contact McClain's Tree Experts today for the best tree planting and maintenance services. With years of experience and certification by the National Arborist Association, McClain's Tree Experts is your go-to source for all your commercial and residential tree healthcare needs. We look forward to helping you have the best trees for your property.
